Mr. Saltarelli,
Thank you for your response.
Unfortunately, this is not just about the monetary difference. The poor quality of work that was performed by Cavalier Ford has ruined my truck. Regardless of the menial issues that I want addressed, I cannot trust that there are not deeper issues with your repairs. I would describe the mistakes that have occurred as “rookie” mistakes. Leaving wiring harnesses unclipped, parts not properly put back together, bolts missing or not tightened, etc. are not things a dealership of your size (or any Ford dealership for that matter) should be conducting. Regardless of all of the issues from the initial repairs, I have had other issues arise that stem from the poor workmanship conducted.
The first major incident was the lower radiator hose coming off. I was almost two hours away from home on a Saturday night with my family in the truck and I was stranded on the side of the highway. After further inspection I found that the incorrect radiator clip was used, causing the hose to not be properly secured at all three points as designed. I have pictures of the clip I removed and the clip Ford lists as the correct item.
Now I’ve had another major incident with my starter. Half way to Pennsylvania my truck wouldn’t start after fueling up. I determined that the starter solenoid had gone bad so I got the truck up and running enough to return it home to my local dealership. They have denied the warranty work because out of three bolts that hold the starter in, one is missing completely and another was loose enough to back out by hand. Due to the history of the truck, why it was replaced, and how other repairs were conducted they refused to warranty it. This has caused me $202 out of pocket for a new starter and replacement bolt.
Not only did these two issues greatly disturb me but the astounding amount of little things that I encounter every time I have to work on the truck. This is why I do not trust any of the repairs that you have conducted. The surface issues do not bother me as much as what I cannot see and if a mechanic was lazy enough to not put something back as small as wiring harness clip, how do I know that he properly reinstalled the transmission or got the engine back in how it’s supposed to be?
As far as the BBB complaint, I am not only the insured but I am also the claimant. As you’re not an accredited business with them I didn’t expect that you’d care of the outcome of that complaint anyway. USAA informed me, for the last time, that I am responsible for resolving any issues with you because your dealership is not an authorized service center. They are treating it as if they paid me and I in turn hired you. The only thing they are concerned about is the engine core and computer that was not installed but paid for. They are having an alternate department conduct an investigation but that is between you and them.
If you would have held up to your end of the deal from our pow wow with you, Mike Cassell, and myself then we wouldn’t be in this predicament. Promises that you made and didn’t hold true to because you knew once I left the area it would be harder for me to obtain results.
Below are the requests I have made before and no one has responded to, although I know someone has seen them.
1. Padding – The padding underneath the carpet is still not satisfactorily reinstalled. There are clips missing in the rear that cannot be replaced due to excessive padding or padding where it is not supposed to be installed. The carpet at the rear of the center console is not correct and the padding was never added to other areas along the trim. The driver’s side was corrected but the rest of the truck still has the same issue (gaps between the plastic and carpet because there is ½” missing from underneath the carpet).
a. I expect the padding to be completely fixed. If this cannot be achieved because a pad cannot be ordered from the factory then the entire carpet kit needs to be ordered.
2. Mudflap – Someone at the dealership removed a mudflap from the front of the vehicle and it was never returned.
a. I expect the mudflap to be replaced or the value to be reimbursed.
3. MREs – Two cases of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) were missing from the bed of the truck after the first set of repairs.
a. I expect both cases to be replaced or the value of them to be reimbursed.
4. Accessories – Almost all of my accessories were disconnected because they were being blamed for the issues. Since then I have reconnected all of those accessories exactly how they were before with no negative results. The onboard air pressure gauge also had to be sent in for warranty repair, which worked before it was disconnected.
a. I expect to be reimbursed for my time spent reinstalling all of the accessories including ones disconnected intentionally or unintentionally (i.e. VHF radio which I have reinstalled twice). I also expect to be reimbursed for the shipping of the pressure gauge.
5. Tailgate – There was a scuff/dent present on the tailgate like something fell down into it after one of the visits.
a. I expect the necessary repairs to be made.
6. Bumper – The remaining balance for the bumper cost has still not been returned to me. Over the past 2-3 weeks I have spoken with Ken Nelson two or three times and Paul Saltarelli once. I have not been able to get answers on the reimbursement of this money.
a. I expect the full amount remaining for the bumper repairs that insurance paid for to be reimbursed. According to the estimate written by Mike Cassell which is what USAA paid for, the total bumper repairs, including tax for supplies/parts, and labor was $1694.58, of which $1204.39 was returned to me. This leaves a balance of $490.19.
7. Missing/Broken Items – Since I have received the truck after what was supposed to be the final set of repairs I have found various missing screws, items, or broken pieces. To include: 2 C Pillar Screws, 2 C Pillar Caps, and 1 Front Vent.
a. I expect to be reimbursed for all parts replaced.
8. Radiator Clip – While over an hour away from home with my family I had to pull over on the side of the highway due to the truck overheating. After investigating I found the lower radiator hose clip not properly seated resulting in the hose to become disconnected. The clip was bent in a way that it was not securing the hose with the ring on the snout. I was able to reseat the hose and bend the clip so that it would hold the hose on. After returning home and finding the part I confirmed the clip used was not in the correct shape. A $3.69 clip was mangled and reused resulting in this extremely frustrating incident instead of simply replacing the clip.
a. I expect the radiator hose clip to be replaced, reimbursement for the coolant used to remedy the situation, and a full flush and refill with the appropriate factory fluid. This also further prompted my need for a full inspection of all repairs conducted by the original dealer. I will be dropping the truck off with my local dealer for them to inspect and give their opinion on the repairs conducted. I also expect a loaner vehicle during the time it takes for this assessment.
Starter - Starter solenoid went out and local dealership refused to replace due to improper installation (one bolt missing and one bolt loose, possibly causing undue stress on the starter).
a. I expect to be reimbursed for the starter, bolt, and time spent installing.
I have all receipts and invoices from items that have cost me out of pocket, pictures of every issue I’ve encountered, and all documentation necessary. If my expectations are not satisfactorily met then all future correspondence will be through my attorney. I look forward to your response. Thank you.
V/r,
Zachary Taylor
His reply:
Mr Taylor
I am going to be brief and to the point. You ruined a perfectly good $65,000 truck, not Cavalier Ford.For you to accuse us of poor workmanship after what you've done to that truck is unconscionable. USAA is completely aware of the circumstances concerning the engine core (which we still have) and the PCM which we did not install and had them supplement the claim. These are some of the items I am awaiting their response on. Do not assume the Dealership has fraudulently filed claim. They are also aware of several other issues which include you submerging the vehicle not once, but twice; and the work you performed on the truck between service visits. I will stand by my previous commitment of whatever monies were owed on the incomplete body work but as for the rest of it I am denying your requests. At this point I can't even get your insurance company to return phone calls.
I will continue to reach out to Mike Cassell for a response from him.
Paul Saltarelli
Parts and Service Director
Cavalier Ford Lincoln
I guess that they weren't paid $21k to return my truck to 100%? Am I mistaken on what their duties were or what I have insurance for?
I am a man of my word, I will be seeing them soon.